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Minnesota State Health Plan Among Most Generous

A new report from the Pew Charitable Trusts says Minnesota state employees get 94 percent of their health care costs covered by insurance.

That's higher than the national average for state workers of 92 percent. It's richer than the average plans offered for sale under the federal health care law. And it's better than what most private employers provide.

The report also says Minnesota's state health plan spending increased 2 percent from 2011-13, from $634 million to $651 million.

Jim Monroe, former executive director of the Minnesota Association of Professional Employees, says state workers have chosen several times over the years to forego higher wages in favor of higher health care benefits. He says the state's insurance plan is well managed and is a benefit to workers and taxpayers alike.

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